Previous felony convictions, 1400 percent increase!

Nurses Criminal

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Many state nursing boards are reporting a 1400 percent increase in previous felony convictions among nurses applying for

nursing licenses since 1992. Is this just a sign of the times? Boundary violations are at an all time high and is a real

problem for state nursing boards. Employers ask on employment application forms "have you ever been convicted of

a crime". Should students be asked about criminal convictions prior to applying for nursing school? That's one deserving

student who gets bumped.

only one board of nursing has documented % of increase felony convictions: arizona

shaking my crystal ball, i see contributing to the increase in disclosures:

a. advent of internet + use of computer databases -- able hide in paper records days.

b. federal legislation omnibus budget reconciliation act of 1987 (obra '87), landmark legislation for federal standards for nursing home care requiring criminal background checks for those working in skilled nursing facilities and home health.

c. certification of nursing assistants increasing number applicants

d. increased population moving to az

e.development of national council of state boards of nursing created framework with bon sharing information, especially 2005 position paper that all boards should conduct criminal background checks on applicants as means protecting public.

f. criminals tired of living in cold climates ;)

AZ is very strict. That is people applying not actually getting licensed. AZBON does long investigations. Also to work in AZ health care you have to get clearance cards and investigation every 6 years. That goes for teaching and in some counties bar workers

Background checks , credit checks and re- checks on the drug screen. I was scheduled for a Arizona travel assignment, Passed the drug test 4 days before flying out and was required to provide another sample the day before leaving.

Very clever that Mayo Clinic.

There are plenty of available nurses.. why would a facility want to hire one with a proven history of financial, legal or emotional problems?

Specializes in ICU, step down, dialysis.

Moved to Nursing Licensure with a Criminal History forum for best response.

Specializes in MDS/ UR.
Seriously people? I hope non of you judgemental bigots ever treat me. People make mistakes. People mess up, we are human. I came to this forum out of a search for employment for felons in this field to find if there was any hope. And all I see if a bunch of ignorant people lashing out about how they would never want a felon to work in this field. How they should never be able to. Yes some are sicker than others and I understand not wanting a pedophile working in the pediatrics unit, but how can you seriously lump us all together. Are you that naive? Most other countries have already begun in rehabilitation instead of jails. We are so behind. I messed up when I was 19, and 20. Should I really be held accountable for all my life for some stupid decisions I made as a young adult? Especially since the first one was made to save someone's life. I called 911 to get help and was arrested. I was in the wrong i admit. But serously. I can't believe the hostility on here. So please try to keep an open mind and realize we are not all the same, it goes case by case.

This thread is over 2 years old. Did you even realize this?

come on people. are you judges and jurors? a felony can range from self defense to something not related to drugs or narcotics. if you never done ANYTHING illegal then yes throw the first stone. you just never got caught. maybe having a few drinks and driving impaired. a felon just got caught. lets not judge, everyone needs a chance.

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